Runs Rough After Changing Header Gaskets

[blacksix]

So . . . changed header gaskets last week, screwed it all back together and voila . . . runs like crap, as if it had a bad MAF or something. Poor idle, sputters at throttle tip-in, etc. All sensors and wiring hooked up properly (had this car apart lots of times, I know what goes where.)

Any thoughts?

 

[chadly]

I did the same thing last week. After double confirming the plug wires were correct and the problem still persisted I thought I would pull the plugs and look at them. I was sure it was only running on five cylinders. When I pulled the boots off the plugs one boot came out with half of the spark plug in it. New plug fixed the problem but now I need to find time why I have small exhaust leak.

 

[notacarlo]

Do you have a boost gauge? What is the Vac reading? If it's below 17-16" you have a leak somewhere. Double check EGR.

Is the MAF pointing in the right direction?

 

[QUIP'6']

So . . . changed header gaskets last week, screwed it all back together and voila . . . runs like crap, as if it had a bad MAF or something. Poor idle, sputters at throttle tip-in, etc. All sensors and wiring hooked up properly (had this car apart lots of times, I know what goes where.)

Any thoughts?

did you check plugs for a crack or as mentioned above that the wire broke in the boot. a gasket change would not do this. i would go over the ignition setup

 

[blacksix]

Thanks, guys, will check all the above this weekend.

 

[QUIP'6']

i meant cracked spark plug

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

Exhaust manifold gaskets replaced, then runs like crap.... not sure what could have happened doing that... may not of even taken your plug/plug wires off for that.
Might want to check your compression just to make sure it was only the exhaust gaskets in question.

Chuck

 

[blacksix]

Turns out it was a bad MAF, totally coincidental. Thanks, guys, for your help.

 

[WSLN 6]

Upgrade that thing to SD and get rid of mafs....

 

[blacksix]

Yyyyyyyyyyyeah, I'm kinda spending my money elsewhere now, I just like driving the Buick rather than screwing with it. Runs fine with a stock MAF. Could it run better with XFI? Probably. Do I care? Not really. Is it fun to drive as it is? Yup . . . :biggrin: